Victims of explosion in Maiduguri recall moments of horror after breaking their fast

A survivor of Monday night’s deadly blast in Maiduguri, Abacha Mustapha, told the horrific story of how the blast occurred moments after he and others had broken their fast, leaving him seriously injured.

Mustapha, who is currently receiving treatment at Umaru Shehu Hospital, told reporters on Tuesday that he had just closed at the market for the day and was preparing to go home when the explosion occurred.

“We broke our fast and were about to leave after closing the shop, when the first bomb exploded. I heard a loud noise, and suddenly my neck was bleeding,” he said.

The sudden explosion threw the area into confusion, causing traders and residents to flee in panic.

“It was chaotic. People were running in different directions. Some were falling, some were screaming. I didn’t even understand what was happening at first,” he added.

Mustapha praised his brother for saving his life immediately after the blast occurred.

“My sister used her cloth to tie my neck to stop the bleeding before taking me to hospital. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t know what would have happened,” he said.

Medical officers confirmed that a number of victims had been rushed to hospital with injuries ranging from burns to shrapnel wounds, following the attack which occurred during rush hour when residents were dispersing after fasting that day.

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Witnesses said the explosions occurred at busy locations, adding to the death toll as people returned home from evening activities.

Following the attack, the Nigerian Army warned of possible coordinated attacks involving several suicide bombers and urged residents to stay away from crowded areas.

According to reports, the coordinated explosions claimed at least 23 lives and left 108 others injured.

North East Joint Task Force Media Information Officer, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col Sanni Uba, said the attackers deliberately targeted densely populated locations to maximize casualties and spread fear, identifying the affected areas as around the Post Office, Monday Market axis and the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

The Borno State Police Command also confirmed the incident, and stated that security personnel immediately moved to secure the affected locations and prevent further danger.

“The scene of the incident was immediately secured, closed, and a thorough combing operation was carried out by the Maiduguri Base 13 Police Explosive Ordnance (EOD) Unit to prevent additional threats,” said National Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso.